Welcome to ARCHcareers, a blog that discusses the process of becoming an architect.

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Summer Internship

Hello, Dr. ArchitectureI am writing to inquire about summer architecture internships or experiences that would be helpful to a 2nd year architecture student. Would you be able to point me in the right direction? It seems after searching that internships are often offered to the upper level students. Perhaps a better option would be to seek other career-related opportunities for the course of the summer. What would be most helpful at this point in my education?

Thanks,__________I will share what I can, but if you provided your school/region of the country I might be of more assistance.

First, seeking a summer career-related experience is a precursor to your employment after graduation and is process of preparing your materials (resume, cover letters, portfolio, etc.), researching potential employers and making the match.

Start with your University Career Center to help you with your materials. Perhaps have faculty or upper level students help with your portfolio; a good book is Portfolio Design (portfoliodesign.com). At the same time research potential firms or employers that could use your talents/skills. These may be other than architecture firms.

Once you have done these two steps, now contact the firm with your materials to schedule an interview. Again, the Career Center can help you with cover letters and interviewing.

It may be difficult but start now and be persistent and ask for lots of help.

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About Me

With over twenty years of experience in the fields of architecture and career development, LEE W. WALDREP, Ph.D., has served in positions in three accredited programs -- the Illinois School of Architecture, the University of Maryland and Illinois Institute of Technology. Previously, he served as Associate Executive Director of the National Archi¬tectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) and National Vice-President of the American Institute of Architecture Students. Waldrep has written and presented on the topics of careers and architecture extensively around the country. In addition to his own books, he is a contributor to AIA’s Architect’s Handbook of Professional Practice, 15th Edition.